“It is always sunny at Saint Catherine Center” says Carolynn Berritto, Adult Program Team 2 Leader, every morning while reviewing the calendar, schedules, and weather for the day. Now that the weather reflects our sunny dispositions, there are many opportunities to enjoy activities outside with the arrival of spring.
To start off the season, we celebrated Easter with an outdoor Easter egg hunt and scouted the grounds together for goodies. Each participant took home eggs with stickers and candy inside. Participants also painted colorful eggs in art class to bring home.
We also celebrated Earth Day with several activities and crafts. Team 4 led a backyard cleanup by weeding and raking the raised garden beds in the Center’s outdoor garden area. They also walked around and picked up any sticks and debris. This spring-cleaning project was a wonderful way to show care for the Earth while bettering the community and practicing skills outside of the classroom.
Adults in Team 2 planted sunflowers in small pots to bring home. They crafted flowers by laminating tissue paper and cutting them into floral shapes to put in their soil until the seeds start to grow. They also made springtime themed treats by assembling grapes and celery into a caterpillar and pretzels with fruit snacks into butterflies.
All the participants have been enjoying walks in the community. This has been a great opportunity for participants to interact with their surroundings, to recognize traffic signs, and to practice safe behaviors like being aware of traffic when crossing the street.
Volunteers from Morgan Stanley joined our staff and adult participants in preparing the Center’s backyard garden area. They started off by raking the raised gardening beds, adding fresh soil, and planting a variety of vegetables and herbs. Volunteers also trimmed back bushes and cleaned up the mulch areas. Working alongside the volunteers allows a comfortable way to build interpersonal relationships as well as practice unique like skills.
“It is so important for all our participants be involved in regular experiences and outings in the community so they are comfortable applying skills no matter time or place.” Racquel Lynch, Adult Program Director.
Watch the video to see more of our spring activities!
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